As I searched the internet for the last three days, I found an extreme lack of resources for those interested in returning to school at an older age. I think this is a space where maybe I can provide some insight. My application process was incredibly simple, and I have a few privileges listed below. I think providing any advice without additional context would be unfair.

1. My employer will pay up to $10k a year in tuition for a total program cost of $38K.
2. I already work in the field I will attend school for, but I’ve only been in it for four months.
3. I have fifteen years of work experience.
4. I gained ~240 credits in graduate certificates over the last 4 years, all paid for by my employer.

All that said, I spent a lot of time researching impactful, and significant personal statement structure. It was important to ensure that the admissions committee understood why this program was so important to me and answer all of the questions asked in the application and I also I wanted the essay to be interesting. I added in my love of learning, desire to merge my background in DEI with Operations and technology. A few other things I did was, I met with someone who is a part of the program, read up on each of the professors, checked out their student orgs, basically I did a ton of research. The last thing I did was I met with an advisor for the program, I was very open with her about my fears, what I hoped to get out of the program, and my prior schooling. (I graduated from college 19 years ago.)

I’m not sure if this is helpful, but in the absence of anything else, I hope if you are looking to apply, don’t be afraid of rejection!